old school special effects experiment

[MovieStuff]

That would also help with depth of field, which is so important to miniature work. Like I said before, shoot wide angle and don't use the macro!

Roger

[MovieStuff]

One other thing: If you shoot the model outside, resist the urge to use fill light. Remember that, if you were really shooting something that big, you would not be able to control the amount of fill. Likewise, if you shoot indoors and are trying to emmulate the look of the sun, miniatures in that setting look more realistic if you don't use fill. If it's a space shot, definately no diffusion. A single point source is best.

I know this seems counter intuitive, because you want the model to look good, plus you put all that work into the detail and you want it to be seen as much as possible, but overlighting is one of the most common mistakes when dealing with miniatures. The miniature may look prettier if you use fill or multiple lights, but it will lose that realistic, sunlit look. Again, for realism, you have to abide by the limitations that would be in effect if you were really shooting something that big outside. Even in space, that's as "outside" as it gets!

Roger

[This message has been edited by MovieStuff (edited September 03, 2001).]

[AlexGfromUK]

yes, more good ideas! thanks roger.

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